MALDIVES

6 Nights/ 5 Days

WONDERFUL INDONESIA

7 Nights/8 Days

Maharajas’ Express -Indian Splendour

The 8 days of The 'Indian Splendour ' Journey is sure to leave travelers spell bound. Starting from Delhi to Mumbai, the luxury train voyage through Imperial India make them discover its fascinating heritage and exquisite architecture. Enjoying Champagne and paying tribute to world's greatest monument to love, the legendary Taj Mahal, the journey chases the elusive tiger in Ranthambhore National Park backed with royal treatment offered as you participate in exhibition Elephant Polo Match followed by dinner in a unique locale.

Day 01 : Saturday Evening: Delhi Depart
Welcome aboard the Maharajas' Express Assembling at Safderjung Station at 2030 hrs and completing your registration and check-in formalities for Maharajas' Express On arrival, travelers will be greeted with welcome drink on board the Maharajas' Express Departure of the Maharajas' Express from Delhi at approximately 2200 hrs to Agra Dinner at hotel Overnight on the Maharajas' Express

Day 02 : Sunday: Agra
Journey through picturesque countryside that leads to arrival into the ‘City of Mughal Splendor’ Agra Early in the morning, visit the Taj Mahal-this spectacular monumental masterpieces amidst picturesque natural setting, was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this incomparable marvel is constructed entirely using white marble and is architectural masterpiece that features beautiful inlay work and marble screens The highlighting point of the morning is champagne breakfast atop Taj Khema, as you admire the magnificent Taj Mahal. Return to the train for brief rest & leisurely lunch. Afternoon visit World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, seat of the mighty Mughal Dynasty for over 200 years in the medieval era Later return back to Maharajas Express & depart. Evening at leisure & dinner on board.

Day 03: Monday Morning: Ranthambore Jungle
Early morning arrival at Sawai Madhopur, where a exciting safari awaits you at 'Ranthambhore National Park.' The park is based on nearly 400 square kilometers of dry, deciduous forest and derives its name from huge 1000 year old Rajput fortress of Ranthambhore that sits 215 m high in the forest. Originally a private hunting ground of Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambhore was declared a National Park and is famous for its open sightings of tigers, sambar, chital, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. It is also a paradise for the bird watchers. Post breakfast at Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge, return to train to relax & unwind as the journey continues to Jaipur Enjoy hearty lunch on board

Day 03 : Monday Evening: Jaipur
Nestled in rugged Aravali Hills, picturesque capital city of Jaipur is indeed a pristine jewel in crown of the desert state of Rajasthan. The city was built by Raja Jai Singh in 18th century, and is surrounded by rugged hills & dotted by magnificent palaces, massive forts and exquisite temples Following arrival begin the exciting tour of pink city by a visit to Amber Fort that is situated on ridge just outside Jaipur city and surrounded by fortified battlements overlooking a Moat Lake A short jeep ride that takes travelers up to the fort makes them enjoy a tour of royal apartments, with striking views of the gorge, the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), and the Hall of Victory. Complete exciting day in the evening with unique & enthralling experience – an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match Your arrival at venue will be accompanied by royal military band and beating of ‘Nagadas’ (huge Indian drums) You may choose to watch or participate in exhibition game Post match enjoy dinner over sparkling wine Following dinner, return to the station and board the train for the onward journey

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Following arrival in Jaipur, travelers may choose to participate in one of OPTIONAL TOURS that includes enjoying spa facilities at a palace hotel OR Proceed on private shopping tour OR Enjoy Golfing at Rambagh Golf Club ; followed by joining the rest of the group at exhibition elephant polo match & dinner

Day 04 : Tuesday: Bikaner
As the journey through desert continues, it brings an opportunity for travelers to relish their breakfast on board, while enjoying close observation of the desert - the scattered procepis cineraria trees; villagers attired in their bright turbans and occasional herd of camels breaking monotony of the desert. The medieval city of Bikaner also popularly known as Camel Country, was once a major centre in cross-desert caravan trade. The place has its share of forts, palaces and temples that are indeed splendid creations made using red and yellow sandstone and are living reflections of their rich historical and architectural legacy. Train arrives in desert citadel of Bikaner post breakfast.

Travelers may choose to embark on one of OPTIONAL TOURS that includes visiting Lalgarh Palace Museum that displays some fascinating exhibits on royal heritage of Bikaner OR Other intriguing option is excursion to Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok that is situated on outskirts of Bikaner. Popularly known as “Rat Temple”, the temple complex has hundreds of rats swarming courtyards, and are an integral part of temple rituals and customs as they are considered very sacred Following your participation in any one of optional tours, you will return to train for lunch Post lunch, you will disembark & proceed on visit to Junagarh Fort, an unassailable fortress built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh and features exclusive architecture showcase in form of Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal It also has a Museum that showcases fascinating viewing of ornate decorative costumes and jewellery Continuing on an experience of lifetime! catch a glimpse of rural Rajasthan, as you are escorted through surrounding village Experience royal pageantry as convoy of decorated canopied camel carts accompanied by musicians takes you for Sundowner in the Sand Dunes Enjoy cocktails, savor traditional mouth watering barbecue delicacies as you enjoy traditional folk artists like Langaas and Kalbeliyas whose music and dance activities are sure to mesmerize you Return to comfort of your train and embark on onward journey

Day 05 : Wednesday: Jodhpur
This morning, the Maharajas’ Express, continues journey into stronghold of Marwar region. While enjoying leisurely breakfast on board, travelers can watch dramatic landscapes of Thar Desert that leads to arrival at Blue City of Jodhpur.

The morning can be spent at leisure on board OR You may participate in one of OPTIONAL TOURS that includes going for a village safari, where you will have opportunity of visiting weaver’s village, potters village and Bishnoi village considered to be oldest living environmentalists in the world, catching a glimpse of their lifestyles & creative skills passed down through generations remaining within the family and community OR Enjoy spa facilities at a hotel Post participation in one of optional tours, return to train for lunch Post lunch, disembark & explore erstwhile capital of Marwar - Jodhpur which is set like a jewel amidst golden sands and is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces from Rajput era as well as home to some of finest architectural wonders Proceed on walking tour of Old Clock Tower market that provides an experience of the hustle and bustle of market and at the same time getting an insight of daily lifestyle of local residents as you walk through section of the blue city, that includes some of the oldest houses and havelis Continue the journey to magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and admire intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches Tour the palaces & temples built by successive rulers, with priceless jewels and dazzling collection of arms The highlight of day is Royal Cocktail evening with wide array of sumptuous Marwar Culinary delights that is served in Royal courtyard of Mehrangarh Fort as you admire cityscape from atop Return to the train and continue journey.

Day 06 : Thursday: Udaipur
Next morning wake up to the sight and sounds of this picturesque region of Mewar, which is one of most popular & royal states of Rajputana Enjoy leisurely breakfast and admire magnificent landscape of Aravali Hills while arriving at Udaipur - the City of Lakes and Sunrise Popularly referred to as Venice of the East, Udaipur offers enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid lakes and green hills. An oasis of colour in stark & arid region, it also has picturesque havelis, Ghats & temples along Lake Pichola and lively bazaars that make Udaipur one of India’s greatest destinations Disembark train as you begin visit to City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan having scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas Visit Mor Chowk and see lavish mosaics of peacocks; Moti Mahal with beautiful mirror work; Chini Mahal covered in ornamental tiles and spectacular Zenana Mahal Feel like a king as you experience from close quarters the hospitality at Durbar Hall that is reminiscent of ancient Mewar glory Feast your taste buds over vast spread of International cuisine Post lunch return to train for relaxed afternoon on board OR Afternoon OPTIONIAL ACTIVITIES enjoy spa facilities in palace hotel. Later in afternoon, if you wish you may proceed for ‘Walking Tour’ through Old Market of Udaipur Browse through shops selling exquisitely embroidered and printed fabrics, jewellery, paintings, carved wood artifacts and other local crafts, and glimpse vintage car collection Of Udaipur Royalty, followed by sound & Light show in Palace premises

Day 07 : Friday: Balasinor
In early 1980’s some research scientists stumbled upon dinosaur bones & fossils during a regular geological survey of this mineral rich area . Since then, excavations have thrown up a veritable trove of dinosaur remains - eggs, bones, & a huge skeleton which is now kept in a Calcutta (Kolkata) museum. Piecing together the evidence in Balsinor, researchers now believe that Gujarat is home to one of the largest clutch of dinosaur hatcheries in the world. At least 13 species of dinosaurs lived here, possibly for more than 100 million years until their extinction some 65 million years ago. The soft soil made hatching and protecting eggs easier for the animals. So well-protected are the fossilized eggs found here that many researchers call them the best-preserved eggs in the world after the ones found in Aix-en-Provence in France. Morning excursion to one of the largest Dinosaur Fossil Park in the world, located in Balsinor ,followed by a village visit and rounded off by a luncheon appointment with the Royal Family to relish their unique cuisine.

Day 08: Saturday: Mumbai Check-Out
Train arrives at Kurla railway station (Lok Nayak terminus),Mumbai by 0730 a.m. in the morning Bid farewell to the Maharajas’ Express after breakfast, by 815 a.m.

Visit to Vintage Car Collection with boat ride in Lake Pichola in Udaipur

Evening Sound & Light show in Udaipur.

Evening Sound & Light show in Khajuraho

Evening Classical Dance program in Khajuraho

Visit to 2000 years Old Ghats(tiled river banks) on Holy River Ganges in Varanasi

Shopping experiences in each tourist town

The itinerary of Palace on Wheels includes 7 Nights/8 Days of a royal journey on this luxurious train. In this period you visit many beautiful cities, historical monuments, wildlife sanctuaries and experience an enjoyment of the lifetime. The train leaves Delhi on every Wednesday from Delhi cant. Railway station.

The concept of Palace On Wheels train tour is that you journey from one tourist destination to another,in comfort of your sleeping chambers & enjoy Pre-Paid Group Excursions & Sightseeing Trips during the Day,with Services of English Speaking Guides.

Insight Vacations makes you Confident to experience the perfect holidays with enough space during travel.